The Great Fear Quizlet: Timeline, Causes, and Impact
Definition
The Great Fear was a wave of widespread panic that spread across rural France in the summer of 1789, just a few weeks after the storming of the Bastille. It was marked by rumors of aristocratic plots, roving bands of brigands, and imminent attacks on villages and towns.
Timeline
- July 20th, 1789: Outbreak of the Great Fear in the French provinces
- July-August 1789: Panic spreads throughout rural France
- August 26th, 1789: National Constituent Assembly passes the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
- September 1789: Panic subsides
Causes
- Peasant Rumors: Rumors of aristocratic plots to suppress the Revolution and reimpose feudalism
- Fear of Brigands: Fears of roving bands of criminals and outlaws taking advantage of the chaos
- Economic Uncertainty: Poor harvests and rising bread prices exacerbated existing tensions
- Political Instability: The collapse of the monarchy and the rise of the National Constituent Assembly created a power vacuum
- Revolutionary Propaganda: Inflammatory speeches and pamphlets fueled fears and suspicions
Impact
- Violence: The Great Fear led to a wave of violence against suspected aristocrats and their property
- Abdication of Feudalism: Forced many nobles to renounce their feudal rights and privileges
- Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The Great Fear helped spread revolutionary ideas and mobilize the peasantry
- Weakening of Royal Authority: The King’s inability to control the panic further eroded his authority
- Rise of the National Guard: Led to the creation of local militias to protect communities from perceived threats
Significance
The Great Fear was a pivotal event in the French Revolution. It exposed the deep-seated fears and tensions within French society and accelerated the radicalization of the Revolution. By forcing the aristocracy to renounce their feudal privileges, it paved the way for the establishment of a new, more egalitarian society.
Conclusion
The Great Fear remains a fascinating and complex event in French history. Its causes and impact continue to be debated by historians, but its significance as a turning point in the Revolution is undeniable. By understanding the Great Fear, we gain a deeper insight into the forces that shaped the course of French history.
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